History
The life cycle of a church can be compare to the life cycle of a human being, following a pattern of distinct phases: an idea, a possibility, birth, infancy, childhood, adolescence, maturity
The history of Good News Baptist Church of Sioux City, Iowa, can be traced along the steps of this life cycle.
AN IDEA
December, 1988
Several pastors from the Des Moines area representing the Next Towns Evangelism (NTE) Committee of the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches (IARBC) visited Sioux City to investigate the possible need for a Regular Baptist church to be planted. As a result of that investigation, they…
- identified the west side of Sioux City as a potential church planting target area
- learned that another Baptist church in the city was considering plans to plant a church on the west side
- recommended that Sioux City not be pursued at that time
- met a very helpful real estate agent and later sent him a thank you note for his assistance
A POSSIBILITY
August, 1992
The Sioux City real estate agent phoned Rev. Bob Humrickhouse, then State Representative of the IARBC. The thank you note had resurfaced, prompting him to call.
“Is the IARBC still interested in planting a church on the west side of Sioux City?”
- the real estate agent was working with the city on plans for the Woodbury Heights housing development
- initial indications were that land might be given to a church on which to place a building
January, 1993
Rev. Humrickhouse, NTE Committee members, and Dr. Gerald Webber, president of Continental Baptist Missions (CBM), visited Sioux City again.
- The church that, four years earlier, was planning to plant a church on the west side had abandoned those plans.
- A demographic study indicated that the target area had potential for a fundamental Baptist church
- Evangelical pastors in the area encouraged the idea of another church being planted on the west side.
March-June, 1993
Dr. Webber asked CBM missionaries Brad and Joanne Hoff to consider a church-planting ministry in Sioux City. After visiting Sioux City and much prayer, the Hoffs believed God was leading them to Sioux City.
CONCEPTION
September, 1994
Brad and Joanne Hoff moved to Sioux City and began a Bible study in their home at 1917 Isabella Street on Wednesday evenings.
January, 1995
The first public Sunday worship service of Good News Baptist Church was held at the Council Oaks Community Center in Riverside Park.
August, 1995
Good News Baptist Church relocated to a rented storefront at 2601 Myrtle Street.
BIRTH & INFANCY
October, 1996
The fellowship of believers known as Good News Baptist Church adopted a covenant, provisional constitution, and doctrinal statement, and opened a church charter.
CHILDHOOD
February, 1998
Good News Baptist Church purchased 3.2 acres of land on the corner of W.19th and Harris Streets for $55,000. The church was debt-free by January, 2000.
ADOLESCENCE
March, 2003
Good News Baptist Church voted to proceed with the design and construction of a 4,200 square foot building. Groundbreaking took place on March 30, and construction was begun with the very capable assistance of CBM missionary church builders.
October, 2003
Construction had been completed, and Good News Baptist Church moved into its first “permanent” home.
MATURITY
March, 2009
Good News Baptist Church voted to proceed with graduation from missionary status, unanimously approved Pastor Woodford as their senior pastor starting in July 2009, and passed amendments to the Good News Baptist Church constitution to update the provisional aspects of it.
June, 2009
Good News Baptist Church held a special service for Pastor Brad and Joanne Hoff, thanking them for their faithful service and godly oversight in the establishment of Good News Baptist Church.
July, 2009
Pastor Woodford officially became Good News Baptist Church’s first full-time pastor. Celebration of graduation from missionary status on July 19th with a special two hour service and challenges from CBM Field Director Tom Logsdon and IARBC State Representative Joe Hayes.
March, 2014
A Recognition Council was held, and Good News Baptist Church was recognized as a duly constituted Regular Baptist Church. Application was made and accepted into fellowship with the Iowa Association of Regular Baptist Churches and the General Association of Regular Baptist Churches.
January, 2015
Good News Baptist Church celebrated 20 years of ministry by God’s grace with a special service with Pastor Brad and Joanne Hoff in attendance.